In the evening the vessel will depart from Ascension Island.

At sea, we witness the northbound spring migration of northern birds like Arctic Terns and Long-tailed Skuas who join us in crossing the Equator (“the Line”).

Praia on Sao Tiago, the main island of the southern group, has a character of its own. We shall make an excursion to Cidade Velha, steeped in history, and shall observe the massive fortress on the hill, built to deter English marauders in the period when the Crowns of Portugal and Spain were united and Portuguese possessions became as fair game to the likes of Drake and Raleigh as were Spanish ones. We shall see the ruins of the Cathedral, the oldest Christian Church in the tropics, and the slave whipping post in the main square. The village is well watered and there are plantations of sugar cane, which support a rum distillery, and several species of birds. We shall have another guided stroll around the City of Praia, which is the capital of the Cape Verdes, and which has given rise to a unique variety of folk music, which we shall hear as we pass the various bars! Shortly after midnight (Day 39, May 06) you will fly to Lisbon in Portugal (not included in the cruise rate). Passengers can also disembark in Praia, on the evening of Day 38 and stay for a day or more in a hotel in Praia and take a later flight to Lisbon.

Passengers can fly in the early morning of day 38 (May 05 ) to Lisboa in Portugal (not included in the ships arrangement). In this case they will not have the day excursion in Praia and surroundings.